Maputo - On 13 September 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) hosted a high-level event in Maputo, Mozambique to launch the Project "Strengthening Critical Decision Making for Mozambican Criminal Justice Authorities by Strengthening Human Rights, Accountability and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms" funded by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). After conducting an assessment on Intelligence Led Policing (ILP) in Mozambique from 2021 to 2022, supporting the development of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) Strategic Plan 2023-2030, and conducting highly-specialized trainings as well as trainings-of-trainers sessions for over 1100 law enforcement officers in Maputo and Cabo Delgado, IOM remains committed to assisting the Government in implementing an ILP approach in Mozambique.

Over the past decade, Mozambique has experienced a growing exposure to various challenges, ranging from the emergence of drug smuggling routes to the operations of transnational organized crime (TOC) and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs). These factors stand as some of the key migration drivers, resulting in the displacement of over 1 million people (IDPs) in the northern regions of the country since 2019.

“Mozambique has been historically exposed to mixed migration dynamics. More recently, people are driven by the country's natural resources and quest for economic opportunities or fleeing conflict and climate change. Because of Mozambique's location, the country is a passageway to reach other countries of destination. If not controlled, these movements can open space for illicit activities such as trafficking, transnational crimes, drug and human smuggling and even terrorist acts.” said Mr. Jorge dos Santos Cório, National Director of Criminalistic Technic of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC).

To address this situation, since 2021 IOM has been working closely with National Migration Service (SENAMI), SERNIC, and Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) to establish an Intelligence Led Policing approach for Mozambique. Based on the recommendations from the ILP assessments, IOM delivered highly-specialized trainings in Risk Analysis and Criminal Investigation to law enforcement actors between September and November 2022. Building upon these trainings, INL is supporting the new Critical Decision-Making project that will allow the training of over 320 criminal justice professionals throughout the country. This 14-month project strengthen the capacity of criminal justice and law enforcement in Maputo and Cabo Delgado to handle sensitive security-related aspects ensuring accountability through a human-rights based approach. The training initiatives will specifically target senior personnel within these institutions and will aim at building a pool of over 60 trainers throughout the country, equipping them with enhanced knowledge and skills necessary to cascade these trainings during and after the end of the project.

"Capacity building is the cornerstone of effective Migration Management, particularly along the Southern Route. It's imperative that we equip nations with the skills and knowledge needed to manage migration comprehensively and in line with human rights principles. Initiatives must focus not only on initial training but also on Train-of-Trainer programs to ensure sustained impact. Strengthening capacities across governments is key to fostering a collaborative, informed, and empathetic approach to migration management," emphasizes Mr Sascha Nlabu, Deputy Chief of Mission of IOM Mozambique. 

The launch event was organized to introduce the project’s objectives, workplan, and jointly establish coordination mechanisms in a government-led approach. The event brought together representatives from Mozambique’s General Attorney's Office, SENAMI, SERNIC, PRM, Ministry of Justice and the Customs Authorities as well as the Embassy of the United States of America in Mozambique. This collaborative gathering aimed to ensure the effective engagement of relevant stakeholders in the project implementation process.

"A free and fair justice system is one of the cornerstones of democracy. Every step of the law enforcement and judicial process depends on well-trained professionals implementing rigorous standards, applying the law equally and fairly, holding each other accountable, and protecting fundamental rights. A strong justice sector is essential to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous society,” concludes Jeremey Neitzke, the Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Maputo. 

This project aligns with the IOM Mozambique Country Strategy, supporting Migration Governance to strengthen migration management and contribute to the government's efforts in enabling safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration. The intervention will be implemented by the IOM Mozambique Immigration and Border Governance Programme, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and aligning with various points of the Global Compact for Migration.

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For more information, please contact:

Giacomo dei Rossi, gdeirossi@iom.int

Amanda Martinez, anero@iom.int